DESCRIPTION: This course examines the development of Church History from the Council of Chalcedon (451) through the Protestant and Catholic Reformations of the C16th. Particular attention will be given to the lives and principal writings of the most significant Christian leaders and theologians. The course will also consider in detail the historical context in which these events occurred.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christianity is a historical religion. Thus, the effective practice of Christian ministry requires an understanding of the significant historical and theological developments that occurred during the important period between the C5th and C16th. This was a time in which Christianity and culture became almost indistinguishable, only to break apart into schism and prolonged conflict during the C16th. Why did this enormous change take place? What lessons can we learn from it? While our classroom investigations and discussions will be primarily historical and theological in nature, every effort will be made to set aside time in class for the integration of practical (i.e., contemporary) application of the academic material under consideration.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course should (i) enhance the student’s basic factual and thematic knowledge of the Christian story during the Medieval and Reformation periods; (ii) help students gain a basic competence in how to interpret the story of the Christian church; (iii) help students gain a greater ability to evaluate various theological issues and their development; and, (iv) provide students with the tools and knowledge for a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity and diversity of the Christian church.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet on Thursday evenings from 6.30 p.m. until 10.00 p.m. over 10 weeks, for a total of 35 hours. Class time will be devoted to formal lectures, questions and answers, and informal classroom discussion.

REQUIRED READING: (Minimum 1200 total pages, selected from the following, as specified in the Course Syllabus):